Common Garage Door Problems

Common Garage Door Problems

Most of the time, the openers for your garage doors work smoothly. However, all mechanical systems — including those controlling your garage doors — can have issues. While a variety of situations can arise, the most common garage door problems are:

Common Garage Door Problems

1. Reversing

If your garage door begins to shut and then reverses, the most common issue is the sensors, also known as safety eyes. These are found on the bottom of the garage floor and along the sides of the door. Their job is to prevent the garage door from closing if an object or person is in the way.

If debris is present on the sensors or if the alignment is off, the safety eyes will not work correctly. Wipe down the sensors and area. Then check your user’s manual for troubleshooting tips. If the problem continues, contact a repair professional.

2. Slow or Jerky Closing

If your garage door closes slowly or jerkily, you could be experiencing a motor problem or wear and tear on the door rollers inside the tracks of the garage door system. It’s vital to get this problem correctly diagnosed and fixed since track and motor problems can cause the opener to fail — a significantly expensive fix.

3. Strange Noises and Vibrations

If your new garage door opener is unusually loud, or if your trusty opener suddenly starts making unusual noises, get it checked out. The problem could be a loose part or a motor issue. Continuing to use your garage door opener in these situations can cause permanent damage to your entire system.

Also, be on the lookout for vibrations. These could indicate that the motor is not correctly secured in its housing or it is wearing down. Both require a fix or replacement before your opener stops working entirely.

4. Garage Door Off Track

When a garage door goes off the tracks, it is in danger of falling and may not close at all. In these cases, you will want to call an emergency repair professional right away before your rollers, door tracks and cables are damaged or anyone is hurt. Never use a garage door that is off its tracks, and do not try to fix this issue yourself since the heavy garage door can fall on your or your property and cause serious injury or damages.

5. Problems With the Remote

Remotes sometimes stop working. If the batteries are not a problem, a burnt-out circuit or another issue could be interrupting the communication between the remote and the door system. Try replacing the batteries and reprogramming the remote first. If this method does not work, you will need a repair service to look at the mechanical and electrical components.

Is Your Garage Door Not Working Correctly?

If you need a repair, contact Liberty Door and Awning. Our repair and replacement services are comprehensive and quick. We always answer our phones and work to help you find the most convenient and affordable solution. With decades of experience in New Jersey, we are a trusted name in garage door systems.